September 24, 2024 | Workers' compensation

Have you been injured while on the job? It’s a great relief to learn that you can file a workers’ compensation claim and gain access to financial resources that can help you get through this difficult time. Here at High & Younes Attorneys, LLC. Have helped many workers fight for their right to be compensated through workers’ compensation. While the workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system, it is by no means an easy system to navigate. There are many complexities that workers face when making a claim and even after the claims process is complete. Below, we discuss some of the mistakes that injured workers make when pursuing workers’ compensation.

Mistakes to Avoid If You Have a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Progress

1. Delaying reporting your injury

One of the biggest mistakes that workers make is not reporting their injuries as soon as possible. Not reporting your injuries to your employer immediately is a risky move. Firstly, there are deadlines associated with filing a workers’ compensation claim. In Nebraska, it is recommended that workers report their injuries to their employers immediately. This should be done in writing. The employer then has 10 days from receiving this notice to file a First Report of Injury.

Taking too long to report your injury can also give your employer and the insurance provider reason to deny your claim. They may claim that your injuries are not work related. It is therefore vital to act as quickly as possible.

2. Skipping medical treatment

It is not only important to seek medical treatment immediately after the incident, but also to adhere to the treatment recommended by the healthcare provider. This is true even if you feel that you don’t need it. Some injuries aren’t obvious. You may develop symptoms many days or even weeks after the actual incident. Not having medical documentation from the time of the injury can be detrimental to your case.

You should also be careful to avoid skipping doctor appointments, failing to follow through with prescribed treatments or ignoring referrals to specialists. Failing to follow medical advice may be interpreted by the insurance provider as a sign that your injury isn’t serious. You should be sure to keep records of all your treatments and prescriptions.

3. Discussing your case publicly (especially on social media)

People love to share information about events in their lives online on social media. A workplace injury is a major event. However, you should refrain from sharing this information or anything related to your injury or the accident on social media. In fact, you should refrain from sharing any information about your life while your case is pending. Insurance companies often monitor social media to gather evidence against injured workers. Posting about vacations, hobbies or even mundane activities can provide evidence that can be used to argue that your injury is not as you claim.

Refrain from talking to anyone or posting anything specific about your injury, your level of pain, the treatment process or the status of your claim. All information regarding your claim should be kept between you and your attorney.

4. Signing documents without consulting an attorney

When your employer’s insurance provider gets involved there’s a good chance that they will pressure you to sign documents including statements, medical releases or even a settlement. It is important to avoid signing these documents especially if you haven’t consulted an attorney. Some possible consequences of signing documents without legal consultation include limiting your ability to seek additional medical care, releasing the insurance company from further liability and even undercutting the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

One of the best ways to ensure that your rights are protected is by working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. The workers’ compensation attorneys at High and Younes Attorneys, LLC, work on a contingency fee basis. That means that you won’t have to worry about paying a fee upfront.

5. Returning to work prematurely

Workplace injuries often place a great deal of financial pressure on the injured worker and their loved ones. This may feel the need to return to work as soon as possible. However, returning to work before you are physically ready to do so can be a grave mistake. It can worsen your injury. You may require further treatment as a result and this will place even greater financial strain on you and your loved ones. In addition, insurance companies may view your premature return to work as evidence that your injury was not as serious as you claimed. They may use this as an excuse to deny your claim or minimize your settlement.

It is important to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to returning to work. You can work with a workers’ compensation attorney to help you navigate the pressures you feel to return to work and ensure that your health and legal rights are protected.

Contact High and Younes Attorneys, LLC and schedule free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Learn about your rights and options. We’d be glad to help you recover the compensation you rightly deserve.

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